Carton forming apparatus



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Nov. 27, 1962 E. c. CLEMENT CARTON FORMING APPARATUS 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 FIG 2i Filed Dec. 15, 1959 Nov. 27, 1962 E. c. CLEMENT 3,065,679

CARTON FORMING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 15, 1959 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 INVEN TOR.

1 G Z8 Ernest CI Clemc'm aiiorneys 5M6, ywZ 51M Yew ease Patented Nov. 27, 1%62 3,065,679 CARTON FGRMING APPARATUS Ernest C. Clement, 315 N. Euclid, Oak Park, Ill. Filed Dec. 15, 1959, Ser. No. 859,632 14 Claims. (Cl. 93-51) This invention relates to carton forming apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus capable of forming and gluing cartons of various types and sizes at a comparatively high production rate.

One object of the invention is to provide improved carton forming apparatus which may be fully automatic in operation. After the apparatus is adjusted manually for carton size, all that is required of an attendant is to keep the apparatus stocked with carton blanks.

Another object of the invention is to provide carton forming apparatus which is characterized by an ability to handle cartons of unusually wide ranges with respect to type and with respect to size. For example, the illustrated apparatus is capable of forming cartons having either single or double end walls, and having either attached or detached covers. A detached cover, incidentally, simply is a second carton which is slightly larger than the carton for which it serves as a cover.

Another object is to provide forming apparatus for cartons and covers of various sizes wherein the changeover time from one size to another is of unusually short duration. In this connection, the change-parts for cartons and covers of different sizes are small in number, there being simply three change-parts (a glue mask and two plungers) per carton or cover of a given size.

Another object is to provide carton forming apparatus capable of handling an unusually wide range of cartons with respect to quality. The apparatus accommodates carton blanks manufactured by various processes, and with wide tolerances as to thickness, blank size and particularly with respect to curl, the latter being one of the greatest problems encountered with laminated blanks.

Still another object is to provide automatic carton forming apparatus wherein the rate of production is unusually high considering the adaptability of the apparatus for handling such Wide ranges of type, size and quality.

By way of example, the illustrated apparatus is capable of handling carton blanks ranging in size from 2% inches by 3% inches, minimum, to 26 inches by 26 inches, maximum. Carton lengths with blanks of such sizes range from 1 /2 inches, minimum, to 14 inches maximum, carton widths from 1%. inches, minimum, to 14 inches, maximum, and carton depths from inch, minimum to 6 /12 inches, maximum. With appropriate modification, even larger sizes can be handled.

Maximum production rate is independent of carton size, and may be up to 1,000 units per hour. This is 500 cartons and 500 separate covers per hour, or 1,000 cartons with attached covers.

During operation, the apparatus requires no attention other than the part-time service of one attendant for the purpose of keeping a supply of carton blanks in a magazine. The changeover time for adjusting the apparatus to handle a carton of different size usually entails less than ten minutes, depending on the experience of the operator.

Other objects, advantages and details of the invention will be apparent as the description proceeds, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings wherein one form of the invention is illustrated. It will be understood that the description and drawings are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be measured by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational View from the operators side of carton forming apparatus embodying the invention, certain details being omitted for clarity and illustrated in subsequent figures;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing in top plan view and in assembled relation the two plungers used in the illustrated apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first plunger;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the second plunger;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one type of carton blank suitable for use in the present apparatus, the blank having end portions of size for double end walls and showing glue applied thereto;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the FIG. 5 blank showing the corner tabs thereof in partially bent position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the FIG. 6 blank showing both the side portions and the end portions in partially bent position, the corner tabs being shown in further bent position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the partially formed carton showing the side walls, end walls and corner tabs in final position with respect to the carton bottom portion;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the completely formed carton showing the upper margins of the end walls bent over to form partial double end walls;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the three transport stages of a carton blank during progress thereof through the present apparatus;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view on line 11-11 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view on line 12l2 of FIG. 1, showing in plan view a part of the loading stage and part of the gluing stage;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view on line 13-13 of FIG. 1 showing in plan view part of the gluing stage and part of the forming stage;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view on line l4ll4 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged elevational view of details of the mechanism provided for transporting a carton blank from one stage to another;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view on line 16-46 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an end elevational view of the illustrated apparatus looking from the right of FIG. 1;

IG. 18 is an enlarged view of certain structural details of the invention;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view on line 19l9 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view showing mechanisms which function in connection with forming double end walls;

FIG. 21 is a view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 20 with certain parts thereof in alternative positions;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view showing details of certain carton forming mechanisms used in the invention;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view on line 2323 of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the positions of certain parts when a carton is partially formed;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view on line 2525 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing the positions of certain parts when a carton is at a formation stage subsequent to that shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view on line 2727 of FIG. 26, and

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a finished double end wall carton showing, with some exaggeration, the bulged side walls which cooperate in connection with a means for ejecting the completed carton from the apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 5-9, FIGS. 5 through 8 show a typical carton blank in various stages of carton formation, while FIG. 9 illustrates a typical finished carton. These figures show in a general way some of the functions performed by the present apparatus.

The carton blank illustrated throughout is designed to be made into a carton of the double end Wall type. In this type of carton, the end portions of the blank have an outer margin adapted to be folded over and thus constitute an end wall of double thickkness. The folded over margin may be equal to or lesser in size than the main end wall to provide a full or partial double end wall, as will be understood.

The illustrated apparatus, while capable of forming a double end wall carton, equally is capable with no structural modification of forming a carton of the single end wall type. For a single end wall carton, it simply is necessary to use a carton blank which does not have the aforesaid fold-over margins on the end portions. If apparatus for forming single end wall cartons only is desired, certain structural features of the illustrated apparatus may be omitted.

Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the illustrated typical carton blank 30 consists of any suitable sheet material, usually cardboard, or a laminate of cardboard and paper. Blank 39 has a bottom portion 31, symmetrical side portions 32 and symmetrical end portions 33. Free ends 34 of end portions 33 are the aforesaid fold-over margins for cartons of the partial double end wall type. A corner tab 35 is provided at each end of each side portion 32. Pre-cut and pre-scored blanks of this type are conventional and available commercially, in flat form. Also available is the same blank with pro-formed double side walls, if desired.

In FIG. the upper or inside surfaces of end portions 34 are shown coated with adhesive material such as glue 36. This glue is applied to the end portions at one stage during the progress of the blank through the apparatus.

The first forming step of the apparatus involves bending the corner tabs 35 upwardly with respect to the adjacent side portions 32, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The directions of these bends are inwardly of the completed carton, as will be seen. The aparatus has individual fingers which function to bend the respective corner tabs 35.

Referring to FIG. 7, during the latter part of the step of bending the corner tabs 35 upwardly and inwardly, the apparatus is effective to bend side portions 32 and end portions 33 upwardly with respect to bottom portion 31 in properly timed relation with each other so there is no interference between corner tabs 35 and end portions 33. This bending terminates with the side and end portions at right angles to bottom portion 31, as shown in FIG. 8. At this time, corner tabs 35 lie flush against end portions 33, and margins 34 of the latter project upwardly above the level of side portions 32.

The apparatus next is effective in the case of a double end wall carton to bend over the end portion margins 34 as shown in FIG. 9, and thereafter to apply glue-setting pressure to the end portions, thereby completing forma tion of the illustrated carton.

FIG. diagrammatically illustrates the three major stages of the apparatus, with a blank 30 shown in each stage. At the left is the loading stage, in the middle the gluing stage and at the right the forming stage. The blank moves through the apparatus from left to right, and the finished carton is discharged in the direction indicated by arrow 37.

A blank 36 is moved between the respective stages by a pusher means 38 (FIG.- 10), described in detail later, which reciprocates between the loading and gluing stages. Pusher means 38 has a rear lug 39 which engages the rear edge of a blank at the loading stage to move the blank to the gluing stage as pusher means 38 moves to the right. A lug 40 at the forward end of pusher means 38 engages the rear edge of a blank at the gluing stage erly through the apparatus.

and moves the blank to the forming stage as the pusher means again moves to the right. The rear of forward lug 40 is beveled (FIG. 15) to permit passage of the lug beneath a blank in the gluing stage during travel of pusher means 38 to the left during return movement.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the illustrated carton forming apparatus has a frame 42 consisting of various upright members 43, longitudinal members 44 and transverse members 45.

The apparatus is powered by a suitable motor 47 shown mounted at the lower left in frame 42.

A rotatable shaft 50, extending transversely of the apparatus, is journalled in bearings mounted centrally of frame 42. Shaft 56 is driven by chain 51 extending between a motor sprocket 52 and a shaft sprocket 53. Chain 51, as shown, also engages idler sprocket 54. Shaft may be termed a cycle shaft because a carton is formed during each revolution of this shaft, and the apparatus performs its respective functions during portions of a revolution or cycle of this shaft.

The Loading Stage Still referring to FIG. 1, a stack of carton blanks 30 is carried in an inclined rack or magazine 61 located at the upper rear part of frame 42. The bottom of magazine 61 is generally open, the lowermost blank being suitably supported at its periphery.

Longitudinal adjusting means 62 and transverse adjusting means (not shown) are provided to condition magazine 61 for blanks of various sizes. A nozzle 63, connected to a source of pressurized air, directs an air stream against the edge of the lowermost blank to assist in separating the blank from the one next above as the former is removed from the magazine. This tends to avoid the undesirable possibility of removing two or more blanks at a time.

The lowermost blank of stack 60 is removed from magazine 61 and positioned in the loading stage so as to be engaged by rear lug 39 of pusher means 38 (FIGS. 10, 12 and 15). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the illustrated blank removal means comprises a plurality of suction cups 65 which respectively are carried on arms 66. These arms 66 are secured to an oscillating shaft 68 which is mounted in bearings 69. Suction cups 65 respectively are connected through arms 66 to tubes 70 extending to a low pressure source (not shown), which is under suitable control.

Shaft 68 is oscillated by cycle shaft 59 through suitable means (FIG. 1) such as cam 72 on shaft 50, cam follower 73, links 74 and 75 and crank arm 76, the latter being secured to shaft 68. The free end of link 74 is pivoted to bearing 77 mounted on frame 42. Shaft 68 thus oscillates rotatably in accordance with the movement of cam follower 73 on cam 72.

As shaft 68 oscillates, arms 66 and associated suction cups 65 first pivot counterclockwise until suction cups 65 engage the lowermost blank in magazine 61. When suction cups 65 return to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 12 they transport the lowermost blank and position it horizontally for engagement by rear lug 39 of pusher means 33. A blank 30 in this position is illustrated in dotted line at the left in FIG. 15.

The loading stage, as well as the subsequent stages, inelude means for supporting and guiding a blank 30 prop- As best shown in FIG. 12, one guide means comprises longitudinal guide bars Si! having recessed ledges 81 which confine and support the lateral margins of a blank. To accommodate blanks of various widths, bars are mounted for transverse adjustment. As here shown, bars 80 are mounted on blocks 82 which are carried on reversely threaded shaft 33. The latter extends transversely of the apparatus (FIG. 12) and is rotatable to adjust the spacing between bars 83. A similarly threaded shaft 84 (FIG. 13), ganged together with shaft 83, supports guide bars 80 at the forming stage.-

Referring again to FIG. 1, means 35 is provided at the forward end of the loading stage to detect the accidental presence of more than one blank, and thereupon stop operation of the apparatus. This apparatus comprises a rotatable member 86 having a projecting sensory 87. The latter engages a marginal surface of a passing blank. If two or more stuck-together blanks are present, sensory 37 and rotatable member 86 are elevated unduly, thereby serving to actuate switch 88 which stops machine operation. Rotatable member 86 is driven from cycle shaft 511 by suitable means such as chain 89.

As previously mentioned, a blank 30 is moved from the loading stage to the gluing stage by rear lug 39 of pusher means 38. Before describing in detail pusher means 38 and the various driving elements which move same, the gluing stage next will be described.

The Gluing Stage The gluing stage is illustrated t0 the extent necessary in FIGS. 1, 12 and 13. Referring first to FIG. 1, the gluing stage, located generally in the center of the apparatus above cycle shaft 50, includes a lateral upright 95. A horizontal arm 96 at the top of upright 95 terminates above the longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

A vertically adjustable rod 97 is carried by arm 96, and a longitudinally extending rod 98 is mounted at the lower end of rod 97. Downwardly directed glue nozzles 99 are carried at the opposite ends of rod 98, the nozzles being adjustable along the rod to accommodate blanks of different lengths.

A glue shield 100 with mask (not shown) at the bottom is mounted on frame 42 below glue nozzles 99. Shield 11111 is elevated slightly with respect to guide bars $11 so that a blank 30 traveling along bars 80 may move below shield 1110 and be stopped centrally below the shield and mask. The glue mask is a plate of the stencil type having openings to pass a glue mist sprayed from nozzles 99. Referring to FIG. 5, a mask for the blank there illustrated would have openings located to permit the application of glue 36 to the blank end portions 33 and the fold-over margins 34.

It will be understood that blanks of difiTerent shapes and sizes will require specific glue masks and different adjustments of the spacing and elevation of the nozzles 99.

During apparatus operation, a blank 30 is positioned at the gluing stage for a portion of one apparatus cycle. In this period, glue is sprayed through the mask openings and onto the blank so that the latter is ready for formation into a carton during the following apparatus cycle.

The Transport Mechanism As previously mentioned, a blank 3% is moved from the loading stage to the gluing stage, and from the gluing stage to the forming stage, by pusher means 38 (FIG. having rear and front blank-engaging lugs 39 and 40. The mechanism associated with pusher means 38 is shown in FIGS. 1, and 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, pusher means 38 comprises an elongated bar 11% having the aforesaid lugs 39 and 411 at opposite ends. Rear lug 39 may be adjusted longitudinally with respect to bar 1111, as indicated in FIG. 12. Bar 1111 is adjustably mounted (to accommo date blanks of various lengths) on a block 111 which is slidable on a guide rod 112. The latter extends longitudinally of the apparatus along the center line thereof, and is supported by transverse members 45 of frame 42.

Block 111 and associated pusher means 38 are reciprocated through connection with cycle shaft 51?. The connection includes a crank arm 115 secured to cycle shaft 511, a first link 116 havin one end pivoted in fixed bearing 117 and a second link 1 18 having its ends pivoted respectively to the other end of first link 1 16 and block 111. The connection also includes a third link 119 having its ends pivoted respectively to crank arm 115 and first link 1116 at a point intermediate its ends.

Crank arm has length-adjustment apertures 1211 and first link 115 has apertures 121 which are coordinated with the aforesaid length-adjustment apertures. Third link 119 has pivot pins 122 and 123 which engage a selected pair of coordinated apertures 12.11 and 1211.

The purpose of the apertures 121 and 12 1 is to enable adjustment of the pusher drive mechanism for carton blanks of different lengths. In the case of a relatively long blank 39, it is necessary to move the blank forward at a greater speed than is required with a smaller blank. This is because several apparatus forming functions which follow one another all must be accommodated Within the period of one apparatus cycle, and only a small time period is allocated to the function of moving the blank from the gluing stage to the forming stage. Accordingly, referring to one revolution (360 degrees) of cycle shaft 50, a smaller portion (less degrees) of a revolution should be used for providing forward movement in the case of a large blank, e.g., 90 degrees forward and 270 for returns.

The apertures 12% and 121 employed in FIG. 15 for receiving pins 122 and 123 of third link 119 are the coordinated pair which provide forward movement during a minimum portion of a shaft 51 revolution (for a large blank), that is, provide the highest rate of forward speed. The next adjacent apertures 12% and 121 are used for blanks of intermediate size, while the other illustrated pair are used for blanks of smaller size. The latter provide about 180 degrees for forward movement and about 180 degrees for return. This adjustment pro vides compensation for inertia effects encountered during apparatus operation with blanks of various sizes, and contributes greatly to the ability of the apparatus to handle cartons falling in a wide range as to size.

The full line positions of the parts shown in FIG. 15 indicate the rear or leftmost position of block 111 and associated pusher means 38. As cycle shaft 5-1 rotates in counterclockwise direction (FIG. 15) the linkage system is effective to move block 111 to the right and to a terminal position indicated by dotted line 125. The various members of the linkage system are shown in dotted line when in this righthand position. Qontinued rotation of shaft 5% provides the return travel of block 111 and associated pusher means 33.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the iefthand blank 31 (shown in dotted line) is located in the loading stage, as positioned by suction cups 65. When pusher means 33 moves to the right, rear lug 39 engages the blank and moves same to the position occupied by righthand blank 3d (dotted line). This is the gluing stage position. Thereafter, pusher means 38 returns to the illustrated starting position with rearwardly tapered front lug 4d moving beneath the blank 31? which then is in the gluing stage. On the next cycle of pusher means 38, the gluing stage blank 31 is moved by front lug 41: to the forming stage, and a next blank is moved from the loading stage to the gluing stage. Thus, two blanks normally are moved during each forward stroke of push-er means 38.

The above described mechanism possesses highly desirable transport characteristics. Pusher means 38 moves forward with rapid acceleration, and then decelerates gradually with virtually a dwell period at'the forward end of the stroke. This provides optimum location of the blanks at the respective stages.

Further features of the transport mechanism are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Referring first to FIG. 12 and particularly to guide bars 811', elongated plates 13% respectively are secured to the top surfaces of guide bars 811 (righthand portion of the drawing). Plates 131i overlie recessed ledges 81 of bars $11 and thereby form, in each instance, a channel-shaped recess. The lateral margins of a blank travel in these recesses during blank movement, and it will be noted that the rear ends 131 of plates 13% are upturned slightly to enable the blank margins to enter these recesses without interference.

Referring to the righthand portion of FIG. 12 and the left hand portion of FIG. 13 (the gluing stage), plates 139 are cut away in limited regions immediately above ledge 51 of guide bar 31). Elongated brake elements 135, pivoted by means 136 to guide bars 80, extend along ledges 81 where plates 130 are cut away. Brake elements 135 or bars 511 have enlarged holes for pivot means 135 whereby the elements normally rest on ledges 31. The rear ends of brake elements 135 are upwardly curved whereby the lateral margins of a traveling blank may slide between ledges S1 and the lower surfaces of brake element 135. The loosely mounted brake elements 135 thus are effective to stop blank travel at proper position in the gluing stage, and prevent retrogression on the return stroke of pusher means 38.

Still referring to the righthand portion of FiG. l2 and the lefthand portion of FIG. 13, a pair of longitudinally extending intermediate support bars 140 for the carton blanks are located in spaced relation between guide bars 81). Support bars 144 are mounted for longitudinal and transverse adjustment on transverse frame members 45. As shown, bars 141 have longitudinal slots 141 for longitudinal adjustment, and frame members have slots so bars 144 may be adjusted transversely. These adjustments, of course, cooperate to accommodate blanks and cartons of different sizes.

Referring to H6. 13, the forward ends 145 of bars 141 are curved downwardly, and these downwardly curved ends 145 cooperate in the forming stage, as Will be seen, to bend the adjacent end portion 33 of a blank upwardly at right angles to the blank bottom portion 31. This and other mechanism in the forming stage of the apparatus now will be described.

The Forming Stage Referring again to FIG. 1, the forming stage is located at the righthand or forward end of the apparatus. During the first portion of a forming cycle (partial revolution of cycle shaft 51)), a glue-coated blank 30 from the gluing stage is moved forward to a stop position in the forming stage. Stop members 151: (FTG l, 13 and 14-), mounted on the front end of guide bars 81), establish the stop position for blank 31 Members 156 are longitudinally adjustable to accommodate blanks of different lengths.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate in a general way the plunger means of the apparatus which function at the forming stage. In the form of the invention shown, two plungers are used.

A first plunger 155 (FIG. 3) is carried at the lower end of an arm 156 which in turn extends downwardly from a horizontal arm 1S7. Plunger 155 includes a base 151' of length and width corresponding to the interior length and width of a carton for which the plunger is designed. Support means such as uprights 161 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are carried on base 16% adjacent each base corner. As will be described in detail later, these uprights carry movable back-up knives and movable holddown fingers which face the adjacent base end.

A cooperating second plunger 165 (FIG. 4) is carried at the lower end of an arm 166 Which in turn is mounted on a horizontal arm 167. Second plunger 165 has end members 163 which in use are aligned with the ends of b se 169 of first plunger 155.

The two plungers 155 and 165 are shown in assembled or telescoped relation in FIGS. 1 and 2, and are shown separately, in plan view, in FIGS. 3 and 4. As will be seen later, end members 168 of second plunger 155 cooperate with the later-described back-up knives and holddown fingers of first plunger 155, and also cooperate in connection with applying glue-setting pressure to the carton ends.

Referring to FIG. 13 (at the right), the plunger assembly including first plunger 155 is mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on upright 1'71), and the plunger assembly including second plunger 165 is mounted for reciprocating vertical movement on upright 171. These uprights each have bearings which slide up and down on rods 172 and 173, and are driven by mechanism to be described later. The plungers themselves are aligned with bottom portion 31 of a blank 323 when the latter is positioned in the forming stage.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 13 and 14 which generally illustrate the mechanisms in the forming stage, a pair of spaced longitudinal guide rods 175 extend between transverse frame members 45. Guide rods 175 are disposed somewhat below the previously mentioned guide bars iii? for the carton blanks.

Supported for longitudinal sliding movement on guide rods 175 are a front transverse member 1% and a rear transverse member 181. These sliding transverse members have several functions, one of which is to apply glue-setting pressure to the carton ends, as will be seen. Another function of members 180 and 181 is to cooperate in connection with adjusting the apparatus for cartons of different sizes.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, a pair of cartonlength adjusting rods 183 are respectively mounted in frame 42 in parallelism with guide rods 175. Adjusting rods 183 are threaded at their rear ends, and are gauge together for synchronous rotation at their forward ends which respectively carry sprockets 184. A chain (FIG. 14) interconnects these sprockets. The rear ends of adjusting rods 183 are threaded into a transverse bar 187 which, like transverse members 136 and 131, is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on guide rods 175. A toggle 190 (FIGS. 13 and 14), to be mentioned later, interconnects transverse bar 157 with transverse member 181 so that longitudinal movement of bar is communicated to member 181. Thus, rotation of length adjusting rods 183 produces longitudinal movement of bar 187, and this movement is communicated through toggle 1% to transverse member 1531.

The aforesaid longitudinal movement of transverse member 1 81 must be matched with equal and opposite movement of companion transverse member 139. in the form of the apparatus shown, this equal and opposite movement is provided by a rack and pinion connection between the two members 130 and 181. The aforesaid rack and pinion connection is shown in FIGS. 11, 13 and 19, the latter showing it most clearly. It should be nofed that the lefthand end of FIG. 19 corresponds to the righthand end of FIG. 13.

Referring particularly to FIG. 19 longitudinal frame member 44 has a stub shaft 192 which carries a rotatable pinion 193. An upper rack 194, connected to transverse member 181 (shown in dotted line), engages pinion 193 and is held in position by roller 195. Similarly. a lower rack 196, connected to transverse member 181 (shown in dotted line), engages pinion 193 and is held in positron by roller 197. Thus, longitudinal mov m nt 0 member 181 is matched by equal and tudinal movement of member 1551 As members 181) and 181 are moved both to apply setting pressure and to provide adjustment for c. of different lengths.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, both corresponding ends of transverse members 180 and 181 are interconnected by rack and pinion arrangements as above described.

it previously has been mentioned that a blank 3% is po tioned. in the forming stage by stop members 15 In position the blank is supported along its lateral margins by ledges 81 0' guide bars 89. Rear end portion 33 of blank 31 is loc above the downwardly curved forward ends of support bars 149, and blank bottom portion 31 is disposed below and in alignment with plungers and 165.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, front end portion 33 of a carton blank is disposed above spaced, downwardly curved bars 2% which correspond generally with down- 9 wardly curved ends 145 of bars Mil. Bars 2% are adjustable longitudinally and transversely to accommodate blanks of different sizes, and, as will be seen, cooperate in bending front end portion 33 of a carton blank upwardly at right angles to carton bottom portion 31.

Support bars 148 with the downwardly curved forward ends 145 and the aforesaid downwardly curved bars 2% also cooperate during apparatus operation to insure that the end portions 33 of blank 36 are bent in properly timed relation with the bending of the side portions 32 of blank 39. in a word, the bending of end portions 33 positively must lag the bending of side portions 32 so corner tabs 35 properly will fold inside the end portions, as shown in FIG. 7. Longitudinal adjustment of bars 140 and 2% also establishes this positive timed relation.

The forming stage also includes a pair of spaced longitudinal rocker shafts 2% (FIG. 11) which are parallel to and located above guide rods 175. Rocker shafts 2% are rocked or oscillated through a partial revolution during each forming cycle of the apparatus. The illustrated mechanisms for driving rocker shafts 205 will be described later.

The ends of each rocker shaft 265 are mounted so that the rocker shafts themselves may be adjusted transversely of the apparatus to accommodate cartons of different widths. Referring to FIG. 18, shaft end is rotatably mounted in a bearing 2% which is connected by a mem ber 207 to a threaded nut 298. The latter is carried on one end portion of a reversely threaded transverse rod 210 which is mounted for rotation on longitudinal frame members 44. The two reversely threaded rods 210 and the four nuts 2% are best shown in P16. 13. Rods 21% are ganged together for synchronous rotation by a chain 211 and sprockets 212. Thus, rotation of one rod 210 is accompanied by rotation of the other rod 214 and equal and opposite transverse movement of rocker shafts 205.

Each rocker shaft 2% carries a pair of longitudinally spaced rocker bushings 215 (FIGS. 11, 22 and 23) which are slidable along the shafts and keyed thereto. Thus, rocker bushings 215 rock or oscillate with rocker shafts 2H5.

Side die members are are associated with the bearings 2% which support the ends of rocker shafts 2%. Accordingly, side die members are located in fixed relation with respect to rocker shafts 2%, but they are adjustable transversely of the apparatus by means of nuts 238 and reversely threaded shafts 21d.

Each side die member 224} carries longitudinally spaced fingers 225 (FIGS. 22 and 23). Each finger is effective, during apparatus operation, to bend upwardly a corner tab 35 of a blank Ell). Thus, the respective fingers are located below and generally in line with the four corner tabs 35. As will be seen, fingers 225 are moved or tilted upward for bending the corner tabs during rotation of rocker shaft 295 and rocker bushing 215 in one direction, and they are returned to starting position during shaft and bushing rotation in the opposite direction.

Referring to FIG. 23, each rocker bushing 215 has a projection 227 which is engageable with a finger 225, causing the finger to move or tilt upwardly as shown in FIG. 22 each time bushing 215 is rotated in the said one direction.

As best shown in FIG. 13, the respective fingers 225 are mounted on plates 23% which are longitudinally adjustable along side die members 229. These adjustments, like the others, accommodate cartons of different sizes.

Referring to FIGS. ll, 14, 22 and 23, each rocker bushing 215 carries a side guide 235 which in turn carries a vertically adjustable bottomer 236. There thus are four side guides 235 and four bottomers 236 which are located generally at the four corners of the space in which a carton is formed. Side guides 235 and bottomers 2355, because they are mounted on rocker bushings 215, move into and out of guiding and bottoming position as shafts 295 are rocked. A side guide and bottomer is shown in forming to position in FIGS. 22 and 23, and out of forming position in FIGS. ll and 14, and they move in synchronism with the fingers 225 which bend the corner tabs 35 of a blank.

Side guides 235 perform a necessary guiding function in connection with cartons of both the single end wall and double end wall types. However, as will be seen, bottomers 236 perform a necessary function only in connection with double end wall cartons and hence could be eliminated in apparatus designed only for single end wall cartons.

As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, rocker bushings 215 are connected to adjacent transverse members 139 and 181 which, it will be recalled, are subject to longitudinal adjustment. As illustrated, transverse members 180 and 181 have upwardly facing channels 240 which receive studs 24f projecting downwardly from rocker bushings 215. Thus, rocker bushings 215 are movable longitudinally with transverse members 184} and 1551 to provide for carton length adjustment, and yet the former are free to move transversely with respect to members 180 and 131 to provide for carton width adjustment.

Referring again to FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, a pair of transversely spaced hinged plates 245 are respectively mounted on side die members 220'. Hinged plates 245 normally lie in a horizontal plane, but they are tiltable to vertical planes during apparatus operation. Each plate 245 has a yieldable bias means such as spring 246 to urge the associated plate to horizontal position. Plates 245 are at the level of support bars 140, and the rear plate ends are beveled at 24-7 to avoid interference with an advancing blank.

Hinged plates 245, as will be seen, have three major functions. First, they cooperate with a blank 33 to bend the side portions 32 upwardly at right angles to bot-tom portion 31 in properly timed relation with the bending of the end portions 33. Second, they cooperate in conneotion with ejecting a finished carton from the apparatus, as Will be seen. Third, they support and guide a blank as it moves into forming position.

The apparatus so far described is sufiicient for forming a carton of the single end wall type. Describing the action briefly, a carton blank 36 (minus the end portion margins 34) is glue coated and positioned in the forming stage. In the first stage of the forming cycle, fingers 225 move upwardly and engage corner tabs 35. The latter start to bend upwardly as indicated in FIG. 6.

A plunger means having a base res and end portions 16% descends and engages bottom portion 31 of the blank, thereby moving the blank downwardly in the forming stage. Hinged plates 245 cooperate to bend upwardly the side portions 32 of the blank. The downwardly curved ends of support bars 140 and the downwardly curved bars 2%, sometimes called endformer means, cooperate to bend upwardly the end portions 33 of the blank in lagging relation with the side portions.

As the plunger means descends further, sharp corners at the periphery of bottom portion 31 are established by side guides 235 and transverse members 189 and 181 in cooperation with plunger base 16%. Meanwhile, fingers 225 have tilted corner tabs 35 upwardly as far as necessary, and the latter assume terminal positions in flush engagement with end portions 33.

Next, toggle 1% is actuated to move transverse members and 181 toward plunger end members 168, thereby applying glue-setting pressure at end portions 33 and corner tabs 35. Later, and within the same forming cycle, toggle 199 is broken to Withdraw members 180 and 1181. The plunger then moves upwardly carrying the completed carton, and the upper edges of the carton sides engage the lower edges of biased hinge plates 245. As the plunger continues its upward travel, the finished carton is stripped from the plunger and drops to a cen- 3 l tral space within the apparatus from which it is removed by suitable conveyor.

Additional mechanisms are employed in apparatus designed also for forming cartons of the double end wall type. These mechanisms include the previously mentioned back-up knives and hold-down fingers on first plunger 155, and flapper means which cooperate to bend over the margins 34 of the blank end portions. Also, the previously mentioned bottomers 236 function essentially only in connection with double end wall cartons.

Referring to FIGS. 20, 21 and 26, first plunger 155 include support means mounted on base 166. As here shown, these support means comprise uprights 161 located near the respective base corners.

Each upright has a movable back-up knife 25%) which faces in the direction of the adjacent end of base 16%. As here shown, knife 256 is an elongated plate pivoted at 251 to upright 161. The knife is counterweighted at 252, and a pin 253 on upright 161 establishes a horizontal rest position for knife 256. Thus, the lefthand end of knife 256 may be pivoted downwardly, and, when the deflecting stress is removed, counterweight 252 is effective to return the knife to the illustrated horizontal position.

A movable hold-down finger 255 is pivoted at 256 to each upright 161 and is located above back-up knife 250. The free end of finger 255 also faces in the direction of the adjacent base end. A pin 257 on upright 161 establishes a stop position for finger v255, and a bias spring 258 urges the finger to stop position. As in the case of back-up knife 250, finger 255 may be moved or pivoted downwardly, and when the deflecting stress is removed the finger will return to its stop position.

The manners in which back-up knives 250 and holddoWn fingers 25S cooperate in forming a double end wall will be described after the following description of the double end wall flapper means.

Referring particularly to FIG. 21, transverse member 181 (and transverse member 18%) is provided with dou- Ible end wall fiappers 26%. As seen in FIG. 11, transverse member 181 has two spaced fiappers 26b. Flapper 266 is movable with respect to transverse member 181, and in the form of the invention shown, flapper 260 is pivoted on rod 261 which is mounted on member 181. A reciprocating bar 262, pivoted to flapper 26-7 at 263, is effective to move each flapper 26% whereby the latter functions to initiate the required bending of carton end margins 34. The mechanism provided for reciprocating bar 262 will be described later, as will the mechanisms which actuate the various other functional members of the apparatus.

The double end walls are formed after a carton has reached the partly finished conditions shown in FIG. 8. As there shown, end margins 34 extend upwardly in position to be bent over into parallelism with corner tabs 35 and end portions 33.

Referring first to FIG. 26, a partly finished carton is illustrated in the forming stage. It will be noted that first plunger 155 has lowered a carton blank so that bottom portion thereof rests on bottomers 236 and that the side portions 32 and end portions 33 have been bent normal to bottom portion 31. In FIG. 26, fiappers 260 are shown pivoted out of their ineffective position and into engagement with end margins 34 of the carton. In fact, end margins 3 have been partially bent by flappers 260.

It is at this point that back-up knives 250 are effective. The free ends of back-up knives 256* are adjacent the score lines of margins S t, and tie margins are bent around these ends. Absent the knives, the carton end walls would tend to cave inwardly without bending on the score lines in response to engagement by the pivoted llappers 260. It will be noted in FIG. 26 that the bend- 12 ing of margins 34 has not as yet progressed to the point where the margins engage hold-down fingers 255.

The forces bending margin 34 inwardly also have downward components. These downward forces are resisted by bottomers 236 on wi "ch bottom portion 31 rests. As previously mentioned, this function of bottomers 236 is not needed in forming a single end wall carton because with such carton there are no similar downward forces.

Referring now to FIG. 20, flappers 269 (full line) are shown pivoted beyond the point shown in FIG. 26. The terminal pivot position of the fiappers is shown in dotted line. In reaching the position shown in P16. 20, margins 34 engage hold-down fingers 255 and causes the fingers to move or pivot until margins 34 pass beyond. Thereafter, spring 258 restores fingers 255 to the FIG. 20 positions. When fiappers 268 return to ineffective position (FIG. 21), margin 34 flexes upwardly until it engages and is trapped by hold-down fingers 255. Part of the bend applied to margin 34 thereby is retained.

Second plunger 165 then descends, and end members 163 thereof first engage hold-down fingers 255. The fingers yield as the plunger descends, and end members 158 then engage partially bent margin 34 and bend it into parallelism with carton end portions 33 and corner tabs 35, as shown in FIG. 21. Meanwhile, end members 168 cause back-up knives 256 to pivot out of the way. The telescoped relationship of the two plungers 155 and 165, and the then positions of back-up knives 250 and hold-down fingers 255 are shown in FIG. 21.

With the mechanisms in the positions shown in FIG. transverse members and 181 are moved to apply glue-setting pressure to the carton ends. Transverse member 181 is shown in glue-setting engagement with the carton end in FIG. 21.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 21, 24 and 26, the external faces of plunger end members 168 have recesses 265 in alignment with those portions of the carton ends which have more than one thickness of carton material. Thus, in the case of a single end wall carton, there may be regions aligned with corner tabs 35 which will be recessed to the thickness of one material layer. In the case of a double end wall carton, there may be some regions recessed to the thickness of a single layer and regions aligned with the double end wall which may be recessed the thickness of a double layer. These recesses cooperate to insure that uniform glue-setting pressure is applied throughout the end wall and to avoid disfiguration.

After application of the glue-setting pressure, transverse members 130 and 131 are withdrawn, and the two plungers and move upwardly. FIG. 27 illustrates the position of the finished carton with respect to hinged plates 245 at the time the plungers move upwardly. It will be noted that the upper edges 276 of the carton sides 3i. are disposed below the free edges of hinged plates 245. The carton edges 276 inherently are bulged outwardly somewhat, as shown with some exaggeration in FIG. 28. As the plungers travel upwardly, the finished carton moves with them until bulged edges 270 engage the free edges of hinged plates 245. Thereafter, the carton is stripped from the plungers as the latter continue their return strokes.

Referring to PEG. ll, at the time of the return plunger strokes, side guides 335 and associated bottorners 236 are in tie positions there shown, that is, they have been moved out of the engagement with the carton. Thus, when the carton is stripped from the plungers, there is no obstruction below, and the carton drops downwardly to a suitable conveyor such as the lug chain conveyor generally designated 275 in FIG. ll.

The description heretofore given mainly has concerned itself with the elements and mechanisms which directly participate in forming the cartons. The illustrated means which drive these elements and mechanisms have not as yet been described in detail. It is apparent that various arrangements may be employed for these driving 13 means as long as the various functions occur in properly timed sequence. The illustrated driving means now will be described briefly.

Illustrated Drive M cans The several members in the forming stage which engage and shape the carton blank are driven, in the form of the invention illustrated, from a master cam shaft 280 which extends transversely of the apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1, 11 and 14, earn shaft 2311 is journalled for rotation on frame members 44 (FIG. 11) in the lower part of the forming stage. Cam shaft 236 has a sprocket 281 which is driven by chain 282 from sprocket 283 on cycle shaft 541.

The illustrated drive connection between master cam shaft 230 and oscillating rocker shafts 205 first will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 14 and 19, a transverse shaft 2% is journalled in framework 42 above and to the rear of cam shaft 281). Shaft 299 has a sprocket 291 which is driven by chain 292 from a sprocket 293 (FIG. 11) on cam shaft 286. The end of shaft 2% opposite to that shown in FIG. 11 is shown at the right in FIG. 19. This shaft end carries a cam 295 (FIG. 19) which is engaged by a cam follower 2% mounted on an arm 297 pivoted at 293. A spring 293 biases arm 297 and associated follower 296 so the latter engages cam 295.

A rack 3th pivoted to arm 297, engages a pinion 331 carried on the end of a rotatable transverse shaft 302. A roller 303 holds rack 3% in engagement with pinion 351. Thus shaft 302 is driven in an oscillating or rocking manner from master cam shaft 2311.

Referring now to FIG. 18, transverse shaft 302 has a spiral angle gear 355 which provides a right angle drive to a cooperating gear 306 carried on a rocker shaft 2115. Bearing 2116 of rocker shaft 205 and angle gear 355 are keyed for sliding engagement with shaft 302 so shaft 2115 is movable with respect to shaft 3112 in con nection with the carton width adjustment. FIG. 18 ilustrates only one of the rocker shafts 205, and it will be understood that the other rocker shaft 205 has the same relationship with transverse shaft 302 so both shafts 205 will rock in synchronism. As previously mentioned, oscillation of rocker shafts 205 actuates fingers 225, which bend corner tabs 35, and side guides 235 and associate bottomers 236.

Still referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the illustrated mechanisms for driving the first and second plungers 155 and 165 now will be described.

Each plunger is driven by master cam shaft 283 through a cam, follower and linkage arrangement. Plunger cams 31d and 311 (FIG. 11) are carried centrally of master cam shaft 280. The shape of cam 311 for second plunger 165 is shown in FIG. 14.

A fixed transverse shaft 313 is mounted in frame 42 slightly above and to the rear of cam shaft 280'. An arm 314 (FIG. 14), pivoted to shaft 313, carries follower 315 which engages cam 311. The free end of arm 314 is pivoted to one end of a link 316, the other end of which is pivoted to plunger upright 171. Thus, the rotation of cam 311 with shaft 231) is effective to drive second plunger 165 in properly timed sequence.

First plunger 155 is driven in properly timed sequence by a similar connection between its upright 171i and cam 3111. The arm for the first plunger connection is designated 318 (FIG. 11), and the associated follower is 319.

Glue-setting pressure is applied to the carton ends by transverse members 1811 and 181 which are moved by means of toggle 1%, as previously described. In the form of the invention illustrated, toggle 190 also is driven from master cam shaft 2841.

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 14, a squeeze cam 320 is carried centrally on shaft 281). Triangular member 321 (FIG. 14), pivoted to fixed shaft 313, carries a follower 322 which engages squeeze cam 320. An adjustable link 323 has its ends respectively pivoted to triangular member 321 and toggle 190. A spring 324 biases memher 321 so follower 322 is urged into engagement with squeeze earn 325. Each time lobe 325 of cam 320 engages follower 322, toggle 1'90 first is straightened out so that transverse members and 181 apply glue-setting pressure, and then is broken to withdraw transverse members 180 and 181 and release the pressure.

Double end wall fiappers 268 which initiate the bending of end margins 34 also are driven from master cam shaft 2811. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, cam shaft 2811 carries a cam 330 which drives front flappers 260 and a cam 331 which drives the rear flappers 260. Rear drive cam 331 is shown in dotted line in FIG. 14, and cam 330 is similar in shape.

Still referring to FIG. 14, the connection from cam 331 to rear flappers 260 includes an arm 333 which is secured at one end to rotatable transverse rear shaft 334. The other end of arm 333 has a follower 335 which engages cam 331. The secured end of arm 333 has an extension 336, and a spring 337 is connected between this extension and an adjacent point on the frame. Spring 337 of course, biases follower 335 against cam 331. Thus, rear shaft 334 is rocked as cam lobe 338 engages follower 335.

Shaft 334 rigidly carries a pair of spaced upstanding rear arms 34-11, of which only one is shown at the left in FIG. 14. One of the two corresponding arms 340 which drive front flappers 260 is shown at the right in FIG. 14. This right-hand upstanding front arm 340 and its companion front arm 340 carry a transverse rod 341 at their upper ends. This transverse rod 341 recipro cates backward and forward in accordance with the rocking of front transverse shaft 334. The members 262 (FIGS. 14, 20 and 21) which connect with flappers 260 also are pivoted on transverse rod 341, thereby actuating fiappers 260 as rod 341 reciprocates. Follower arm 333 for front shaft 334 and front upright arms 3411 is shown in dotted line in FIG. 14.

The ejector lug chain 275 also is driven from master cam shaft 230. A transverse shaft 345 (FIG. 14) is driven by chain 346 from sprocket 347 on shaft 280. Shaft 345 is connected by chain 348 to transverse shaft 349, which in turn is connected by angle gears to longitudinal shaft 351 Lug chain 275 extends between a sprocket on shaft 350 and a sprocket on companion longitudinal shaft 351 (FIG. 11) located at the opposite side of the apparatus. Referring to FIG. 11, the travel direction of the upper course of lug chain 275 is from right to left.

A finished carton, shown in dotted line in the center of FIG. 14, drops from the forming members, as previously described, and is engaged by a lug on chain 275 and thereby removed from the apparatus.

From the foregoing description, it is thought that the construction and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Various changes in detail may be made without departing from the spirit or losing the advantages of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for forming a carton from a pre-cut and scored blank of sheet material, said blank having a bottom portion, side portions, a corner tab at each end of each side portion .and glue-coated end portions adapted for folding to provide double end walls, said apparatus comprising first means moving a blank into forming position and stopping same, a first plunger, second means moving said first plunger through a forming stroke, said first plunger aligned with said blank bottom portion and engaging same during a major portion of the forming stroke, finger means adjacent each corner tab movable immediately before and continuing to move after said see ers first plunger first engages said bottom portion and efiective to bend said corner tabs inwardly with respect to the adjacent side portions, third means actuating said finger means, combined side guide and bottomer means movable into and out of guiding and bottoming position and actuated by said third means in synchronism with said finger means, a hinged plate extending along each lateral margin of said bottom portion and serving to support the forward end portion of the blank, each hinged plate normally lying in a plane generally parallel to said bottom portion and movable to a plane generally normal thereto in response to first plunger action, end-former means at each end of said bottom portion, said hinged plates and said end-former means efiective when said blank is engaged and moved by said first plunger to bend the blank side portions and end portions in timed relation at right angles to said bottom portion with the bent corner tabs lying inside the end portions, the bending of said side portions starting before the bending of said end portions, said bottom portion engaging said bottomer means at the forming stroke end of said first plunger, pivoted back-up knives and pivoted hold-down fingers on said first plunger adjacent the bent end portions, double end wall fiappers adjacent the upper margins of said bent end portions, fourth means actuating said fiappers whereby the latter engage said upper margins and bend same in cooperation with said back-up knives, said hold-down fingers effective to maintain the bent upper margins in partially bent position, said fourth means thereafter retracting said flappers, a second plunger, fifth means moving said second plunger through a forming stroke, said second plunger generally aligned with and telescoping said first plunger and having end members engageable with the bent upper margins of said end portions to bend same into parallelism with the remaining portions of said end portions and on the inside of said corner tabs, said end members also engageable with the exposed inside faces of said corner tabs, longitudinally movable pressure-applying means adjacent said end members of said second plunger when the latter is in extended position, sixth means moving said pressure-applying means toward said plunger end members under glue setting pressure, whereby a glued relationship is established between said end portions and said corner tabs, and thereafter withdrawing said pressure-applying means, said second and fifth means operative following withdrawal of said pressure-applying means to effect the return strokes of both plungers, whereby the formed carton moves with the plungers until the top edges of the carton sides engage said hinged plates and the carton is stripped from said plungers as the latter continue their return strokes said third means operable to move said side guide and bottomer means out of engagement with the carton to permit the latter to drop freely from the apparatus.

2. Apparatus for forming a carton from a pre-cut and scored blank of sheet material, said blank having a bottom portion, side portions, a corner tab at each end of each side portion and glue-coated end portions adapted for folding to provide double end walls, said apparatus comprising first means moving a blank into forming position and stopping same, a first plunger, second means moving said first plunger through a forming stroke, said first plunger aligned with said blank bottom portion and engaging same during the forming stroke, finger means adjacent each corner tab movable to bend said corner tabs inwardly with respect to the adjacent side portions, third means actuating said finger means, combined side guide and bottomer means movable into and out of guiding and bottoming position and actuated by said third means, a hinged plate extending along each lateral margin of said bottom portion and serving to support the forward end portion of the blank, each hinged plate normally lying in a plane generally parallel to said bottom portion and movable to a plane generally normal thereto, end-former means at each end of said bottom portion, said hinged plates and said end-former means effective when said blank is engaged and moved by said first plunger to bend the blank side portions in timed relation and end portions at right angles to said bottom portion with the bent corner tabs lying inside the end portions, the bending of said side portions starting before the bending of said end portions, said bottom portion engaging said bottomer means at the forming stroke end of said first plunger, back-up knives and hold-down fingers on said first plunger adjacent the bent end portions, double end wall fiappers adjacent the upper margins of said bent end portions, fourth means actuating said fiappers whereby the latter engage said upper margins and bend same in cooperation with said back-up knives, said hold-down fingers effective to maintain the bent upper margins in partially bent position, said fourth means thereafter retracting said fiappers, a second plunger, fifth means moving said second plunger through a forming stroke, said second plunger generally aligned with and telescoping said first plunger and having end members engageable with the bent upper margins of said end portions to bend same into parallelism with the remaining portions of said end portions and on the inside of said corner tabs, said end members also engageable with the exposed inside faces of said corner tabs, longitudinally movable pressure-applying means adjacent said end members of said second plunger when the latter is in extended position, sixth means moving said pressureapplying means toward said plunger end members under glue-setting pressure, whereby a glued relationship is established between said end portions and said corner tabs, and thereafter withdrawing said pressure-applying means, said second and fifth means operative following withdrawal of said pressure-applying means to effect the return strokes of both plungers, whereby the formed ca;- ton moves with the plungers until the top edges of the carton sides engage said hinged plates and the carton is stripped from said plungers as the latter continue their return strokes, said third means operable to move said side guide and bottomer means out of engagement with the carton to permit the latter to drop freely from the apparatus.

3. Apparatus for forming a carton from a pre-cut and scored blank of sheet material, said blank having a bottom portion, side portions, a corner tab at each end of each side portion and glue-coated end portions, said apparatus comprising first means moving a blank into forming position and stopping same, a plunger means, second means moving said plunger means through a forming stroke, said plunger means aligned with said blank bottom portion and engaging same during the forming stroke, finger means adjacent each corner tab movable to bend said corner tabs inwardly with respect to the adjacent side portions, third means actuating said finger means, side guide means movable into and out of guiding position and actuated by said third means, a hinged plate extending along each lateral margin of said bottom portron and serving to support the forward end portion of the blank, each hinged plate normally lying in a plane generally parallel to said bottom portion and movable to a plane generally normal thereto, end-former means at each end of said bottom portion, said hinged plates and said end-former means effective when said blank is engaged and moved by said plunger means to bend the blank side portions and end portions in timed relation at right angles to said bottom portion with the bent corner tabs lying inside the end portions, the bending of said side portions starting before the bending of said end portions, said plunger means having end members engageable with the exposed inside faces of said corner tabs, longitudinally movable pressure-applying means adjacent the end members of said plunger means when the latter is in extended position, sixth means moving said pressure-applying means toward said end members under glue-setting pressure, whereby a glued relationship is established between said end portions and said corner tabs, and thereafter withdrawing said pressure-applying means, said second means operative following withdrawal of said pressure-applying means to efiect the return stroke of said plunger means, whereby the formed carton moves with said plunger means until the top edges of the carton sides engage said hinged plates and the carton is stripped from said plunger means as the latter continues its return stroke, said third means operable to move said side guide means out of engagement with the carton to permit the latter to drop freely from the apparatus.

4. In apparatus for forming a carton from a pre-cut and scored blank of sheet material, said blank including a bottom portion and end portions adapted for folding to provide double end walls, said apparatus including a first plunger, means moving said first plunger through a forming stroke, said first plunger aligned with said blank bottom portion and engaging same during the forming stroke and causing said blank end portions to be bent normal to said bottom portion, movable back-up knives and movable hold-down fingers on said first plunger adjacent said bent end portions, double end wall flappers adjacent the upper margins of said bent end portions, means actuating said flappers whereby the latter engage said upper margins and bend same in cooperation with said back-up knives and subsequently are withdrawn, said holddown fingers effective to maintain the bent upper margins in partially bent position after withdrawal of said fiappers, a second plunger, and means moving said second plunger through a forming stroke, said second plunger generally aligned with and telescoping said first plunger and having end numbers engageable with the bent upper margins of said end portions to bend same into parallelism with the remaining portions of said end portions, said second plunger end members engaging said hold-down fingers and said back-up knives and moving same out of the path of said end members.

5. Apparatus for forming double end walls on a carton having single end walls, said apparatus comprising movable back-up means and movable hold-down means within the carton adjacent the upper margin of each end wall, double end wall flapper means exterior of the carton adjacent the upper margin of each end wall, means actuating said flapper means whereby the latter engage said upper margins and bend same in cooperation with said back-up means and subsequently are withdrawn, said hold-down means eifective to maintain the bent upper margins in partially bent position after withdrawal of said flapper means, plunger means having end members engageable with said bent upper margins to bend same into parallelism with the remaining portions of said end portions, said end members engaging said hold-down means and said back-up means and moving same out of the path of said end members.

6. In carton forming apparatus, a frame, a member mounted in said frame for rotary oscillation, means oscillating said member, a bottomer and a side guide carried by said member and a tab-lifting finger pivoted in said frame in effective relation with said member, whereby rotation of said member in one direction moves said bottomer and side guide to bottoming and guiding positions and simultaneously establishes engagement beween said member and said finger to tilt said finger.

7. The combination of claim 6 with the addition of an adjustable element mounted in said frame and movable to accommodate cartons of various sizes, said member mounted for corresponding adjustment, and means connecting said member to said element for simultaneous adjustment.

8. In carton forming apparatus, a frame including stationary side die members, a pair of oppositely disposed hinged plates mounted on said side die members, said hinged plates normally lying in a common plane and effective to receive a carton blank thereon and serving to support the forward end portion of the blank, and plunger means adapted to engage said blank and move same whereby saidhinged plates tilt into parallel relation and cooperate to form the carton sides.

9. The combination of claim 8 with the addition of means moving said plunger means through a forming stroke whereby the upper edges of the carton sides pass beyond the free edges of said hinged plates, and means retracting said plunger means with a formed carton thereon whereby the free edges of said hinged plates engage the upper edges of the carton sides and strip the carton from the plunger means as the latter continues its return stroke.

10. In carton forming apparatus, a plunger comprising a pair of spaced end members adapted to enter a partially formed carton and respectively engage the carton end walls, each end member on the outer surface thereof recessed in areas which engage end wall portions of more than one thickness of carton material, the depth of each recess being equal to the thickness of the wall portions which is in excess of one thickness of carton material, a pressure plate adjacent each end member and means moving said pressure plates toward said end members with glue-setting pressure.

11. In carton forming apparatus, a pair of spaced members movable to apply glue-setting pressure to opposite ends of a carton toggle means connected to the middle of one of said spaced members and adapted to move same longitudinally, and means interconnecting said members for equal and opposite movement, said means comprising a pair of fixed-axis pinions respectively mounted for rotation between corresponding ends of said members, and racks respectively mounted on each member end engaging an adjacent pinion, whereby actuation of said toggle means causes said spaced members to apply equalized pressure on said carton ends.

12. Apparatus for forming a carton from a pre-cut and scored blank of sheet material, said blank having a bottom portion, side portions, a corner tab at each end of each side portion and glue-coated end portions, said apparatus including movable means bending said corner tabs inwardly, downwardly extending means below each end portion, means adapted to extend downwardly adjacent each side portion, and plunger means aligned with said bottom portion and adapted to depress same whereby said end and side portions are bent upwardly with respect to said bottom portion in timed relation with each other and with the bending of said corner tabs, whereby the bending of said side portions lags the start of bending of said corner tabs and the bending of said end portions lags the bending of said side portions so said corner tabs will be positioned inside said end portions.

13. In carton forming apparatus, a frame, a member mounted in said frame for rotary oscillation, means oscillating said member, a side guide carried by said member and a tab-lifting finger pivoted in said frame in effective relation with said member, whereby rotation of said member in one direction moves said side guide to guiding position "and simultaneously establishes engagement between said member and said finger to tilt said finger.

14. The combination of claim 13 with the addition of an adjustable element mounted in said frame and movable to accommodate cartons of various sizes, said member mounted for corresponding adjustment, and means connecting said member to said element for simultaneous adjustment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS (Other references on following page) 29 Rowlands et a1 Oct. 1, 1957 Gschwind et a1 Aug. 26, 1958 Gibbs "July 28, 1959 Hedlund et a1 Jan. 19, 1960 Dorfman May 24, 1960 Meyer Oct. 25, 1960 

